Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Signal Acquisition, Score Interpretation, and Economics of a Non-Invasive Point-of-Care Test for Coronary Artery Disease
Published on: August 9, 2024
Recalculating the economic cost of suicide
1Department of Econmics and International Business, Bennett S. Lebow College of Business, Drexel University, 3141 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-2875, USA. lesterby@drexel.edu
Abstract:
These authors argue that estimates of the net economic cost of suicide should go beyond accounting for direct medical costs and indirect costs from loss of earnings by those who commit suicide. There are potential savings from: (a) not having to treat the depressive and other psychiatric disorders of those who kill themselves; (b) avoidance of pension, social security and nursing home care costs; and (c) assisted-suicide. By combining all of these costs and savings, it is concluded that the net economic cost of the 30,906 completed suicides in 1990 entailed an economic gain for the society of roughly $5.07 billion in year--2005 dollars. This calculation does not include estimated costs due to the psychological pain and suffering of the survivors. Suicide should be prevented based on humane considerations, not on the economic cost involved.
Related Concept Videos
Actuarial Approach
Consider the example of a high-risk surgical procedure with significant early-stage mortality. A two-year clinical study is conducted,...
Social Exchange Theory
Social Exchange Theory
Area Between Curves: Problem Solving
Applications of Integration to Find Consumer Surplus
Regression Toward the Mean

